Newcastleton 39-year-old given unpaid work order for assaulting ex

A 39-year-old man has been ordered to carry out 270 hours’ unpaid work as a direct alternative to custody for assaulting a former partner.
Jedburgh Sheriff Court.Jedburgh Sheriff Court.
Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Thomas Paffett, of Newcastleton, seized his victim by the throat and tightened his grip, restricting her breathing, Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard.

Paffett pleaded guilty to carrying out that assault at a property in Newcastleton last year.

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Fraser Mathieson, prosecuting, said: “He had left the property and returned 30 minutes later in a dreadful mood and an argument developed between him and Kirsty Whitfield.

“He lunged at her, seizing hold of her by the neck and pushing her towards the sofa.

“He tightened his grip on her neck, restricting her breathing, at which point she feared she was going to pass out.

“She was able to free herself by seizing hold of Paffett’s genitals and twisting them.

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“However, he again lunged at her and repeatedly pushed her down on the sofa, but she was able to push him towards the front door and lock it.

“As a result of what happened, she sustained bruising and soreness to her chest, neck and back.

“It caused her to attend hospital on November 4. It does not appear any treatment was required.

“After the hospital visit, she contacted the police.”

Defence lawyer Colin Severin said his client, a cleaner at various wind farms, currently lives with his mother as his house had been flooded.

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He explained that the couple had previously been in a relationship and Paffett had been told she was now seeing someone else.

“It was a crime of passion after he learned another male had attended at the address,” said Mr Severin.

“There was jealousy involved and he admits he lost his temper.”

Sheriff Robert Fife told Paffett: “This was a nasty assault. In my view, the threshold for sending you to prison has been met, but as a direct alternative to imprisonment, I will sentence you to 270 hours’ unpaid work.”